In pictures: Safari-themed carnival a roaring success

Farnham Carnival organisers praised the "great atmosphere" at the event, which included live music and a procession

The incredible civic spirit of Farnham overcame an afternoon of treacherous weather last Saturday (June 28), as the town staged its annual carnival.

Gostrey Meadow was festooned with hundreds of people from 2pm to 9pm, sampling the sounds, smells and activities of dozens of stalls and tents.

At the Upper Hale car park participants in the centre-piece procession started assembling more than an hour before the 6pm start time, and the traditional competition for prizes was un-dampened by the mid-afternoon deluge.

With a theme this year of ‘Let's Go Safari’, the coveted best in show award went to Potters Gate Primary School, which sent a team of more than 200 children.

Farnham's St Peter's Primary School won the best school award, and the team from Abbeyfields retirement home caused much mirth by including in their number three wheelchairs, empty apart from photographs of the would-be occupants with notes saying 'I would have come if the weather was better'.

Music at the Gostrey Meadow, which was organised by Weyfest 2014, included local acts Joe Waller and Nathan Churchill, as well as the Farnham Brass Band.

The carnival was organised by the Farnham Lions Club and the Farnham Hedgehogs, and this year’s main sponsors were Bridges Estate Agents and Vale Furnishers.

Phil Alexander, chairman of the carnival, said: “It was a great atmosphere.

“There weren’t quite as many people as usual, but given the weather and the weather forecast that wasn’t too surprising.”

Mr Alexander said special thanks had to go to members of the Air Training Corps present on the day, who "ran around doing all the odd jobs".

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She has been editorial director of the online and print titles in Surrey and north-east Hampshire since 2007. Marnie previously worked at the BBC as a producer for 5 Live, having moved to national radio from BBC Sussex and Surrey.